When marketing departments get busy, it’s always the same thing that gets put on the back burner until things slow down: public relations. But getting out in front of your audience is a great way to build your brand awareness and credibility, and ultimately your bottom line!

Here are four weekly activities for Public Relations, plus a bonus activity! Bookmark or print this page. And be sure to follow us on social media, where we will share the weekly activities.

A focused public relations effort can help your firm maintain contact with your audience by providing continuous name and brand recognition in between your face-to-face activities.

1. Create a master media list. Call and get editorial calendars, contact information and submittal requirements for targeted media outlets.
2. Create a list of all client-oriented associations in which you would like to participate. Remember to target at least one in each target market sector. Gather contact information, conference dates, meeting dates, membership rates.
3. Research all awards programs that target your various market sectors. Gather contact information, registration dates, submittal dates and award recognition dates.
4. Create a public relations calendar. Sort through all acquired data and choose what will bring the most value for the firm. Create a public relations calendar with dates, costs and assigned personnel for each chosen activity and/or event for the year.
5. BONUS: Schedule an appointment with 1-2 key editors and discuss possible feature story ideas.